My class had so many different interpretations of the ending of Being There, when Chance (Peter Sellers) walks on water. Everything from a basic Christian take on it (he's like Jesus) to a sort of willpower reading, as in the movie's final line, "Life is a state of mind." An especially ingenious student suggested that just as the entire movie presents the illusion for many characters that Chance is a brilliant man, so the ending presents the illusion for the viewer that Chance can walk on water, although the character is only walking on a sandbar or something. Also some wide-ranging ideas about what the title means. A really fascinating class session. I have to say I learned a lot.
No comments:
Post a Comment